Police and fire authorities disclosed additional information on Friday regarding a bus crash and subsequent explosion that resulted in three fatalities. The incident occurred just past 1 p.m. on Thursday when a Calgary transit bus was involved in a collision in the Saddle Ridge neighborhood, causing a fire. Three individuals lost their lives at the scene, while 16 others sustained injuries. The bus was traveling north in the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E. towards 80th Avenue, close to the local fire and police stations.
Authorities outlined the sequence of collisions that led to the tragic crash. Initially, the bus collided with a truck in the same direction, which then veered into another lane, grazed an SUV, and struck the rear of a box truck. Simultaneously, the bus continued northward and hit the back of a sedan, propelling the car through the intersection where it collided with another truck. Subsequently, the bus rear-ended another transit bus, which moved forward and collided with another sedan.
During the bus-to-bus collision, the natural gas tanks on the second bus caught fire, resulting in a significant blaze that escalated rapidly, culminating in an explosion inside the bus. Three passengers on the second bus were found deceased, identified by authorities, and their next of kin notified. The driver of the first bus sustained severe injuries and was taken to the hospital, while the second bus driver managed to exit the vehicle.
Following the crash, ten individuals were transported to the hospital via ambulance, with one in critical condition. A police officer is recovering at home from minor injuries, while other drivers involved in the collision either escaped unscathed or suffered minor injuries. Investigations are ongoing to determine if impairment, speed, or distraction played a role in the incident.
Calgary Fire Department’s public information officer, Alex Kwan, stated that efforts are underway to ascertain the cause and spread of the fire, with no definitive timeline for completion. Kwan highlighted that such a fire incident involving a transit vehicle is unprecedented in recent memory. Local union president Mike Mahar emphasized the necessity of a swift and thorough investigation into the fire’s equipment, particularly the bus running on compressed natural gas (CNG), given the widespread use of similar buses across North America.
Mahar stressed the significance of identifying any equipment malfunctions to prevent future occurrences. Calgary Transit mentioned that their CNG buses undergo regular safety inspections before service and pledged collaboration with investigators to evaluate the need for additional safety measures. Councilor Raj Dhaliwal called for a meticulous investigation without premature conclusions on the crash’s cause, emphasizing the application of any lessons learned to enhance the city’s transportation network. Nova Bus, the supplier of Calgary’s CNG buses, affirmed their full cooperation with Calgary Transit in understanding the crash circumstances, pending completion of a comprehensive investigation.
